Health encyclopaedia

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Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a blood-borne viral infection. Rarely it can also be passed on through other body fluids. Drug users sharing needles are particularly at risk. Anyone whose blood has come into contact with the blood of someone infected with the hepatitis C virus is also at risk.

Approximately 20% of people will fight the infection and naturally clear it from their bodies within two to six months . Of the rest some will remain well, and never develop liver damage but many will develop mild to moderate liver damage (with or without symptoms). A further 20% will progress to cirrhosis of the liver over a period of 20- 30 years. Excessive drinking of alcohol is often associated with increased likelihood of progression to severe liver complications.

There is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C but treatment can clear the infection in approximately half those infected.

• Symptoms
• Causes
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Complications
• Prevention

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